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Big Man on Campus with LAUSD's John Deasy

by Patt Morrison

The incoming head of the Los Angeles Unified School District, John Deasy, speaks to the media while students line up for a security check upon their arrival at Gardena High School in Gardena, Calif. on Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2011. Nick Ut/AP

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As the 2011-2012 school year comes to an end, the Los Angeles Unified School District is once again following requirements to go through the maddening, disruptive and costly process of notifying over ten thousand employees that they may be laid off despite the fact that nowhere near that many will actually lose their jobs.

As another generation of high school seniors prepare to graduate and hopefully move onto higher education, the LAUSD board has reached a compromise over college-prep graduation requirements by mandating completion of new state university entrance requirements, raising grade point average requirements, as well as reducing the overall number of required courses.

While the school board is requiring more from students, United Teachers Los Angeles (UTLA) says the district is failing to provide students with enough supportive services and has filed more than 600 complaints claiming that over 175 schools are lacking school nurses, librarians, and counselors.

Also, nearly five months after the Miramonte Elementary School controversy occurred, the LAUSD is still dealing with the aftermath of the incident, including a new negligence lawsuit brought against the district on May 4. LAUSD superintendent John Deasy is here to answer your questions about the latest district tribulations.

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About Patt Morrison

Patt Morrison is a live two-hour public affairs show. The program is known for its innovative discussions of local politics and culture, and for its presentation of national and world news as it affects Southern California.